The Volkswagen Virtus is set to get a major update soon. And if the recently unveiled Skoda Slavia facelift is anything to go by, the updated Virtus will get far more than just a few cosmetic tweaks.
The reason is simple. The Virtus and Slavia are badge-engineered siblings. Both are based on the same MQB-A0-IN platform and are manufactured at Skoda Auto India’s Chakan facility. So, the changes introduced on the Slavia facelift give us a very good idea of what Volkswagen could bring to the Virtus.
Here are the 10 big changes expected on the Volkswagen Virtus facelift.
The Virtus facelift will get a revised front end with tweaked headlamps, a redesigned grille and bumper changes. At the rear, expect new LED elements for the tail lamps and minor bumper updates. The overall silhouette will remain familiar.
The facelifted Virtus is expected to get a larger TFT driver display. The Slavia now gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on higher variants, with navigation and other information displayed directly ahead of the driver.
Volkswagen is likely to call its version Virtual Cockpit, as it does on several of its other models.
The infotainment system will also receive a significant upgrade. The Slavia facelift gets a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen with a Google Cloud-powered AI assistant. The system also supports wireless smartphone connectivity. The Virtus is expected to get the Volkswagen version of this system.
Another important addition will be a 360-degree camera. This will make parking the Virtus easier and also bring it closer to rivals that already offer a surround-view camera. The new camera feed is integrated into the Slavia’s updated infotainment system, which is what is likely to happen with the Virtus Facelift as well.
The Virtus facelift will get new alloy wheel designs. The Slavia facelift gets new two-tone 16-inch alloys, and Volkswagen is expected to give the Virtus its own design to maintain its distinct identity.
The facelift could also bring rear disc brakes, particularly on the higher-spec 1.5 TSI turbo petrol engined variants. This would be a useful hardware upgrade and could further improve the Virtus’ braking performance.
This is perhaps the most surprising upgrade. The Slavia facelift gets a massage function for the outer rear seats. The Virtus is expected to receive the same feature. Given its spacious rear seat, this could become one of its biggest talking points.
The current 1.0 TSI gets a six-speed automatic. The facelifted Slavia replaces this with a new 8-speed torque-converter automatic from Japanese transmission giant AISIN. The new gearbox is called AQ300, and is also available on the Kushaq and Taigun Facelifts. The Virtus is expected to follow suit. The 1.5 TSI, meanwhile, should continue with the seven-speed DSG.
Volkswagen should also introduce new exterior colours with the facelift. Skoda has added Arctic Silver and Cappuccino Beige to the Slavia range. The Virtus is likely to get its own colour palette, potentially including shades exclusive to Volkswagen.
Finally, the GT Line versions will get their own styling treatment. Expect more aggressive detailing, blacked-out elements, sportier alloy wheels and other visual changes to distinguish the performance-oriented variants from the regular Virtus.
The mechanical package is therefore unlikely to change dramatically. The big story will be the combination of fresh styling, more technology, additional comfort features and the new eight-speed automatic. If Volkswagen follows the Slavia facelift’s formula closely, the Virtus facelift could end up being one of the most comprehensive updates to the sedan since its launch in India. The Virtus has been India’s best selling full-sized affordable sedan for years. The latest nip and tuck is meant to ensure that the Virtus retains its number one status.